Killing of Frank James Turner in Mississippi in 1952

Incident

Case summary

Frank James Turner (1929 – 1952), a farmer, was killed by police officer Jack E. Franks in Coahoma County, Mississippi. Franks answered a disturbance call where Turner was pointed out as drunk and disorderly. Franks shot Turner while attempting to arrest him, allegedly because Turner had him by the throat. Turner was an epileptic and had spent a year and a half in treatment for the condition. A judge determined that the shooting was justifiable.

Victim(s):

Frank James Turner


Alleged perpetrators/other named individuals:

Jack E. Franks

Perpetrator group type: police

Date of incident: 1952-10-25
Location: Clarksdale, Coahoma County, Mississippi
Location type: public conveyance
Allegation against victim: being drunk and disorderly; assaulting a police officer; throwing some sort of psychological "fit"

Coroner process
Coroner/inquest: [ ]
Finding of no legal responsibility: [ ]

Criminal process
Arrest: [ ]
Charge/indictment/information: [ ]
Grand jury: [ ]
Trial: yes
Conviction: no
Sentence: [ ]

FBI case ID:

Memphis 44-259

DOJ case ID:

144-40-66


Document(s):
death certificates
federal agency records
news articles - closed
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